cinderellasapron 
Today we are making my Italian Sloppy Joes! I created this recipe a few years ago when we had some Bolognese sauce leftover in the fridge, as well as some ciabatta rolls. So, I turned them into crispy garlic bread, added some creamy fresh mozzarella, roasted broccoli rabe, and a star was born! A fun twist on a classic dish that the whole family will love!
Italian Sloppy Joes
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup carrots, finely diced
- 1/4 cup celery, finely diced
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp dried parsley
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 3 TBSP tomato paste
- 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
Broccoli Rabe
- 1 bunch broccoli rabe
- 2 TBSP olive oil
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- salt and pepper, to taste
Garlic Bread
- 6 ciabatta rolls, or a loaf
- 4 TBSP melted butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp dried parsley
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium high heat, add the carrots, celery, and onion. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, and add the ground beef.
- Cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain, if needed.
- Add in the garlic and cook an additional 30 seconds. Stir in the basil, oregano, parsley, garlic powder, tomato paste, and crushed tomatoes. Simmer for 30 minutes, or until thickened. Taste, and add a pinch of sugar if needed, and parmesan cheese.
- Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Cut 2 inches off the stems of the broccoli rabe, and discard. Cut into 1 inch pieces.
- Add to a bowl, and toss with the olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Place on a sheet pan, and roast 15-20 minutes. Keep warm.
- To make the garlic bread, brush the butter on the rolls. Sprinkle on the garlic powder, paprika, salt, and parsley. Broil for 2-3 minutes, or until golden.
- To assemble the sandwiches, place about 1 cup of the Bolognese on the garlic bread. Top with 2-3 slices of cheese, and broccoli rabe.
